While the iPad and its various Android competitors continue to compete in the U.S., Asia is apparently still up for grabs in terms of tablet market share. Now, Microsoft has finally unveiled the high-end version of its Surface tablet for one of the region's richest consumer markets: Japan.

Today, Microsoft Japan unveiled a 256GB version of the Surface Pro, which is scheduled to go on sale on June 7. Japan will be the first country to get a Surface Pro with that much storage, a feature decision that indicates Redmond may believe that the Japanese market will give the unique device a better reception than it has received in the U.S.

The 128GB Surface Pro will retail for 99,800 yen ($985) and the 256GB version will sell for 119,800 yen ($1,182). For many, those are essentially laptop prices, so, like U.S. consumers, Japanese shoppers will be faced with a difficult decision: experiment with a new, hybrid laptop/tablet platform, or pick up a more traditional mobile PC. Although famously conservative with regards to spending, Japanese consumers can also be surprising trendsetters, so their reaction to the Surface Pro could help illuminate the overall picture for the Surface Pro's chances throughout the rest of Asia.

In addition to the increased memory, the company has also announced a set of limited-edition Surface covers. Six of the covers are designed as tie-ups with Japanese fashion brands Beams and Baroque Japan, while two other covers where designed in collaboration with the producers of the upcoming Ghost in the Shell: Arise anime film.

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